Gernsbacher Runde - Etappe 1: Gernsbach - Hilpertsau
100% of reviewers say this trail is moderate
20kmLength
787mElevation gain
6.5–7hrEstimated time
Point-to-point
Section of the premium hiking trail Gernsbacher Runde (long-distance hiking trail) in the northern Black Forest, Baden-Württemberg.
The Gernsbacher Runde long-distance hiking trail has been awarded the Premium Hiking Trail seal of approval by the German Hiking Institute. This section of the trail can be hiked in around 8 hours. It starts north of Gernsbach and leads along the eastern side of the town via Loffenau through the Laufbachtal valley. A special natural monument awaits you near Loffenau - the Laufbach waterfalls with their deeply carved sandstone gorges.
The hiking symbol of the route is the so-called Ebersteiner Rose. It can also be found in the town and municipal coat of arms of the region.
Highlights of the hike:
- Laufbach waterfalls
- the picturesque village of Loffenau
- great views of Lautenbach
- the wild stone valley
- the Lautenfelden nature reserve (falcon breeding area)
- Elsbethhütte
- the Waldmuseeum (open at weekends)
This text has been translated.
Top sights
Heuplattenfelsen
Peak
Großer Lautenfelsen
Peak
Lautenfelsen
Viewpoint
Lautenfelsenhütte
Hut
Ahornhütte
Weather shelter
Dachsstein
Peak
Stauweiher
Reservoir
Rockertfelsen
Peak
Rockertkopf
Peak
Pfarrberg
Viewpoint
Sägmühlteich
Reservoir
Laufbach-Wasserfall
Waterfall
Lochfelsen
Peak
Kleiner Lautenfelsen
Peak
Haselgrund Hütte
Hut
Top sights
Heuplattenfelsen
Peak
Großer Lautenfelsen
Peak
Lautenfelsen
Viewpoint
Lautenfelsenhütte
Hut
Ahornhütte
Weather shelter
Dachsstein
Peak
Stauweiher
Reservoir
Rockertfelsen
Peak
Rockertkopf
Peak
Pfarrberg
Viewpoint
Sägmühlteich
Reservoir
Laufbach-Wasserfall
Waterfall
Lochfelsen
Peak
Kleiner Lautenfelsen
Peak
Haselgrund Hütte
Hut
Popular times
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Frequently asked questions
What’s helpful to know about this trail?
Head out on this 20.0-km point-to-point trail near Gaggenau, Baden-Wuerttemberg. Generally considered a challenging route, it takes an average of 6 h 12 min to complete. This is a popular trail for backpacking and hiking, but you can still enjoy some solitude during quieter times of day.
What is the expected weather this week for Gernsbacher Runde - Etappe 1: Gernsbach - Hilpertsau?
Expected weather for Gernsbacher Runde - Etappe 1: Gernsbach - Hilpertsau for the next 5 days is:
- Sat 26 September - 25.3 degrees/clear
- Sun 27 September - 26.1 degrees/clear
- Mon 28 September - 24.6 degrees/clear
- Tue 29 September - 25.7 degrees/clear
- Wed 30 September - 25.1 degrees/clear
Where is Gernsbacher Runde - Etappe 1: Gernsbach - Hilpertsau located?
Gernsbacher Runde - Etappe 1: Gernsbach - Hilpertsau is a trail located in Central/North Black Forest Nature Park.
How hard is Gernsbacher Runde - Etappe 1: Gernsbach - Hilpertsau?
Gernsbacher Runde - Etappe 1: Gernsbach - Hilpertsau is considered a hard hike that covers 20 km, with an elevation gain of 787 m. It takes about 6.5–7 hr to complete. Hard trails usually cover longer distances, and may have long or steep climbs or more difficult obstacles.
What is the elevation gain for Gernsbacher Runde - Etappe 1: Gernsbach - Hilpertsau?
Gernsbacher Runde - Etappe 1: Gernsbach - Hilpertsau is considered a hard hike that covers 20 km, with an elevation gain of 787 m. It takes about 6.5–7 hr to complete. Hard trails usually cover longer distances, and may have long or steep climbs or more difficult obstacles.
Is Gernsbacher Runde - Etappe 1: Gernsbach - Hilpertsau a point-to-point trail?
Gernsbacher Runde - Etappe 1: Gernsbach - Hilpertsau is a point to point trail that covers 20 km, with an elevation gain of 787 m. It takes about 6.5–7 hr to complete. Point-to-point routes have a different starting point and endpoint. The length of the trail refers to one-way travel on this route. Don't forget to plan for transportation when exploring point-to-point routes!
How long is Gernsbacher Runde - Etappe 1: Gernsbach - Hilpertsau?
Gernsbacher Runde - Etappe 1: Gernsbach - Hilpertsau is a point to point trail that covers 20 km, with an elevation gain of 787 m. It takes about 6.5–7 hr to complete. Point-to-point routes have a different starting point and endpoint. The length of the trail refers to one-way travel on this route. Don't forget to plan for transportation when exploring point-to-point routes!
Are dogs allowed on Gernsbacher Runde - Etappe 1: Gernsbach - Hilpertsau?
Dogs may be allowed on Gernsbacher Runde - Etappe 1: Gernsbach - Hilpertsau. Be sure to check regulations before heading out.
Are there scenic views at Gernsbacher Runde - Etappe 1: Gernsbach - Hilpertsau?
Yes, according to trailgoers, Gernsbacher Runde - Etappe 1: Gernsbach - Hilpertsau features multiple scenic viewpoints. Some of the viewpoints include Lautenfelsen and Pfarrberg.
Are there waterfalls at Gernsbacher Runde - Etappe 1: Gernsbach - Hilpertsau?
Yes, Gernsbacher Runde - Etappe 1: Gernsbach - Hilpertsau has a scenic view of Laufbach-Wasserfall.
Is backpacking allowed at Gernsbacher Runde - Etappe 1: Gernsbach - Hilpertsau?
Backpacking is allowed on Gernsbacher Runde - Etappe 1: Gernsbach - Hilpertsau. Backpacking trails are typically longer and are often point-to-point trails. Camping accommodations vary, and can include campsites, dispersed camping, huts, or in-town accommodations. You should always double check if a permit is required.
Are there forests at Gernsbacher Runde - Etappe 1: Gernsbach - Hilpertsau?
Yes, Gernsbacher Runde - Etappe 1: Gernsbach - Hilpertsau is a forest trail in Central/North Black Forest Nature Park.
Last updated on 24 September 2026 at 05:24 GMT+0